According to data analysis, Surrey is just one part of the country that exhibits a significant deviation in the standard boy-girl ratio. Further evidence, including interviews with doctors and clinic workers, suggests a plausible reason: sex-selection abortions. Canadians are deliberately terminating pregnancies where a girl is expected, in hopes of having boys.

It's a practice that's common in certain countries and cultures, but it's never been reported on here. In China, the one-child policy in place since 1979 has highlighted the cultural sexism there, as millions of parents are careful to ensure that their one permitted child is male. The result: In China, there are now an estimated 80 women for every 100 men.